The 2013 Nissan GT-R has officially bowed at the 2011 LA Auto Show. The latest interpretation of Japan's premier supercar may look the same, but it's the most powerful to date, with a full 15 additional horsepower over the 2012 model. That bumps the final figure up to 545 hp and 463 pound-feet of torque from the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6. The extra pep comes from a redesigned intake system, complete with larger intercooler ducting and reduced airflow resistance. Nissan says it has also taken the time to recalibrate the shift action on the vehicle's transmission and both differentials now use new lubricants.

Carbon ceramic brakes have also made their way to the option sheet for 2013, which is a good thing considering that Nissan claims the machine can hit 60 mph from a dead standstill in just 2.7 seconds. Two. Point. Seven.

Engineers have also managed to stiffen the chassis somewhat, and the whole package helps the vehicle lap Germany's Nürburgring a whopping 10 seconds quicker than the old model. The new GT-R is scheduled to whip into U.S. showrooms beginning this January, but you can check it out in our high-res gallery and in the official press release after the jump.

Since its introduction, the iconic Nissan GT-R has had one goal in mind – never rest on its laurels. One of the most acclaimed supercars in automotive history, the Nissan GT-R is the ultimate expression of the Nissan brand and its "Innovation for All" philosophy. A multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere," the Nissan GT-R receives a number of engine and suspension refinements for the 2013 model year, all designed to enhance its already legendary performance.

"The 2013 Nissan GT-R once again sends a bold statement that it remains on the leading edge of international sports car design, technology and performance," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "It's our desire to keep pushing the envelope, to never settle for second best or second place – a philosophy that makes Nissan GT-R one of the most coveted and affordable supercars in the world today."

The major refinements to GT-R's renowned engineering masterpiece of an engine include improved intake efficiency, reduced airflow resistance including an enlarged air intake duct for the intercooler, and improved exhaust emissions efficiency and enhanced control. The engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room, similar to racing powerplant construction. As a result, horsepower is rated at 545 hp, an increase of 15 hp over the 2012 GT-R's 530 hp. Similarly, torque has been increased to 463 lb-ft from 448 lb-ft.

Transmission shift feel and quietness have been refined through a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing. Also, high performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is now standard for production models.

In addition, the suspension has been retuned and a handmade dry carbon rear spoiler has also been added to the Nissan GT-R Black Edition model. Other enhancements include the addition of a new blue lighting treatment inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light, helping provide a more sophisticated cockpit atmosphere. A RearView Monitor is now standard on all models.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is scheduled to go on sale at select certified Nissan dealers in January 2012.

About the 2013 Nissan GT-R

Following a major revision just last year, the 2013 Nissan GT-R is offered in two models – GT-R Premium and the GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black aluminum forged RAYS® wheels, unique read and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler. The 2013 Nissan GT-R is once again anchored by an advanced 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine matched with a high-performance 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Engine efficiency has been improved for the new model year, which helps raise horsepower to 545 hp (versus the previous 530 horsepower) and torque to 463 lb-ft (versus the previous 448 lb-ft). The engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room.

GT-R is built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform, which enables the use of the world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. This system places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing handling capability.

Total vehicle adjustability is provided by a "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel, enabling the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) among three settings – Normal, Special or "R," for ultimate handling.

The Nissan GT-R suspension has been retuned for 2013. The vehicle again utilizes a special Bilstein DampTronic system, and the braking system consists of Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

Nissan GT-R's aerodynamics were improved last year with increased downforce and the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.26 (from 0.27). A new front fascia with aggressive double rectifier fins and integrated high intensity LED running lights was also added, enhancing the car's strong visual presence. Other exterior features include high-mounted LED stoplights, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade windshield wipers. Six exterior colors are available for 2013: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

Inside, Nissan GT-R's four-passenger cabin again balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder, and carbon fiber trim. The Black Edition adds custom red and black Recaro® leather-appointed seats, red and black interior trim and a dark headliner.

A specially designed 11-speaker Bose® sound system with speakers mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which provides sound quality suitable for a supercar, is standard.

Safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and tension reducers, and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is sold and serviced through nearly 700 Nissan dealers that have attained "GT-R Certification" status by meeting a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments – including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, special training for service managers and technicians, and designating dealer principals, executive managers and general managers as the primary communicators and negotiators in sales transactions. The names and locations of local GT-R Certified Nissan dealers are available onNissanUSA.com.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.comand www.Infiniti.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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